Westminster's 2026 Best in Show Included a Few Surprises

Why Impulse Control Is the Secret to a Happier and More Confident Dog

Impulse control is often the differentiating factor between a stressful outing and a seamless, enjoyable one. While the term is frequently used by dog trainers, it’s a concept many dog parents are unfamiliar with. So, let’s talk about it!Understanding this concept is about much more than just demanding your dog “stay” on command. It is about helping them to develop the ability to pause, think, and choose a calm response over a reactive one. Whether it’s waiting at an open door, ignoring a dropped piece of food, or remaining settled as a cyclist flies by. Impulse control is a skill that directly impacts your dog’s safety and their ability to navigate the world with confidence. This isn’t about suppressing their personality, but about giving them the tools to manage their big emotions in a variety of environments. In this article, I’m going to share the foundational steps needed for your dog to start learning self-regulation and impulse control today!Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.What Exactly is Impulse Control?At its core, impulse control is the ability to resist temptation in favor of a better outcome later. While humans might practice this by skipping a sugary snack to reach a fitness goal or pass on going out with friends to study for a big test to achieve a desired grade, for a dog, it is the mental effort required to not chase a squirrel, not jump on a guest, or not bolt through an open door.In the dog world, impulse control is about learning how to let their rational mind keep their first instincts in check. Understanding that this is a sophisticated cognitive process, rather than just a matter of being a “good dog” or not, helps us approach training with more understanding, empathy, and patience.It is helpful to view self-regulation as a muscle. Just like a physical muscle, it can be strengthened through consistent practice and exercise. However, as with working a muscle, your dog can also become tired and worn out.When working on improving your dog’s impulse control, we need to be mindful of both timing and intensity to set realistic expectations. If your dog has spent an hour resisting the urge to sniff every item at the hardware store during your visit, their “impulse control tank” might be empty by the time you get home. You wouldn’t expect a beginner to lift a heavy weight on day one. Similarly, we cannot expect a dog to resist a high-value distraction without first practicing on smaller ones.The Difference Between Obedience and Self-RegulationMany dog parents confuse a dog who follows a command with a dog who has good impulse control. While obedience is certainly important and should be part of the puzzle when raising a happy, healthy dog, the underlying motivations of the two are distinctly different.Obedience: This is a “bottom-up” response where the dog waits for a specific cue from you, like “stay,” before acting. The responsibility for the behavior lies with the handler.Self-Regulation: This is a default behavior where the dog assesses the situation and chooses the calm option without being told. For example, a dog with strong impulse control sees their food bowl being lowered and automatically sits and waits because they have learned that’s the right way to respond without having to be told each meal.Why Impulse Control is So Important for Your Dog’s Quality of LifeDeveloping these skills is about much more than just good manners; it is necessary for your dog’s safety and emotional well-being. When a dog learns to control their impulses, their world actually becomes much larger.Safety and Risk MitigationThe most obvious benefit is your dog’s safety. A dog that lacks the impulse control to wait at the threshold of your door is at a higher risk of dashing into a busy street. By teaching your dog that pausing at the door should be the default behavior, you create a built-in safety buffer for higher-risk situations, like getting out of a crate, exiting a vehicle, or crossing a street.Reducing Environmental StressDogs that react impulsively to every trigger they encounter, like a passing cyclist, a barking dog, or a dropped leash, live in a constant state of high arousal. Constantly being on edge is hard on their nervous system. Teaching impulse control helps lower their baseline stress levels, allowing them to process their environment more calmly rather than feeling the need to react to every change around them.Expanding Their Social WorldThe reality of our modern society is that well-behaved dogs get invited to more places, and for good reason. A dog who can settle under a table at a café or walk calmly through a crowded market is a dog that gets to spend more time out and about with their family, because they can do so while respecting everyone else around them. By prioritizing these skills, you are allowing them to participate in a wider variety of experiences and adventures by your side.The Warning Signs of Low Impulse ControlBefore we start talking about improving your dog’s self-regulation, let's start at the beginning. We must be able to recognize when they are struggling. Low impulse control often manifests as over-arousal, in which the dog’s physical reactions move faster than their ability to think. By identifying these signs early, you can intervene before a behavior becomes a deeply ingrained habit. Common warning signs of low impulse control include:The Frustrated Greeter: This is a dog who may be friendly but expresses their excitement about meeting others by whining, barking, or lunging on the leash. They lack the control to remain calm when they cannot immediately get to what they want.Mouthiness and Nipping: When a dog becomes excited, perhaps during play or when you reach for their leash, they may revert to the puppy-like approach of using their mouth on your hands or clothing. This is a sign that their excitement and arousal in that moment are outweighing their impulse control.The Threshold Bolt: If your dog pushes past your legs the moment a door cracks open, or leaps from the car before you’ve given a release cue, they are operating on pure impulse rather than waiting for direction.Inability to Settle: Some dogs struggle to find an “off-switch” even after their physical exercise needs have been met. They may pace, demand attention, or react to every small sound in the house because they haven’t learned how to choose stillness. The Role of Body LanguageUnderstanding the physical cues of a dog nearing their limit is one of the most important skills you will develop as a dog parent. A dog with low impulse control often shows signs of tension, both physical and mental. You may notice a stiff posture, dilated pupils, or a tail that is wagging quickly, but in a very tense, narrow way. These are all signals that your dog is reaching their limit of what they can handle, and their ability to make a calm choice is diminishing.

How to Help a Stray Cat

Coming across a stray cat can be a confusing experience. Sometimes it’s obvious that it’s a stray, other times, you might be wondering if it’s just lost or exploring.Here are some tips on how to know whether or not the cat you’ve found is a stray and what you can do to help it. 

Is Catnip Bad for Dogs?

Have you recently noticed your dog sniffing around your cat’s favorite toy? If so, you may find yourself wondering why your dog is drawn to something clearly designed for cats. After all, it’s called “cat” nip for a reason, right?This harmless-looking herb drives our cats into a frenzy of rolling, drooling, and playful craziness. But what happens if your dog ingests the leafy green? Does it cause the same “high”? Is it even safe? And, perhaps most importantly, could the herb that’s famous for making cats go wild actually offer any potential benefits for our pups? After all, we want to give our dogs the happiest lives possible, and that sometimes means exploring options outside of the usual dog-specific products.In this article, I’ll answer these questions and more.What Exactly is Catnip?You’ve likely seen catnip mentioned a million times when it comes to cats’ toys, but what exactly is it? To understand how it interacts with your dog, we first need to know exactly what it is. It’s much more than just a novelty for the kitties in our lives; it’s an herb with a long history, even in human tradition.Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It’s native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but it now grows readily around the world. In fact, you can likely buy catnip seeds in your local garden center. Historically, long before it was known for entertaining housecats, humans used it in herbal teas for its calming and mild sedative properties. It was also sometimes used to improve digestion.         The reason catnip attracts so much attention centers on one specific volatile oil: Nepetalactone. This oil is contained within the leaves, stems, and seed pods of the plant.In cats, it’s the nepetalactone that triggers the short-term neurological reaction that we see, aka the crazy burst of energy that they get when they get near it. However, as I’ll explain in the next section, the canine system processes the chemical very differently. It’s unlikely to start zooming around the room after a sniff.Is Catnip Safe for Dogs?Returning to the original question of this article, is catnip safe for your dog? If your pup decides to tear apart a cat toy (as my girl Willow has done several times), should you be worried?When discussing the safety of any substance, we need to address both the potential for toxicity and the risk of discomfort for your pup. While the latter may not be life-threatening, we all want to take steps to keep our dogs feeling comfortable!Catnip is Generally Non-Toxic to DogsFirst and foremost, you can breathe a sigh of relief if your dog has recently tested the waters with the herb. According to organizations like the ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline, catnip is not listed as a poisonous substance that can cause severe or life-threatening reactions in dogs. If your dog nibbles a stray leaf or manages to sample the dried herb while chewing a cat toy, there is no need to panic. The plant will not poison them.Understanding “Non-Toxic” vs. “Harmless”While catnip isn’t poisonous, that doesn’t mean your dog should be allowed to eat a whole patch. It’s crucial that dog parents understand the difference between a substance being “non-toxic” (aka not poisonous) and “harmless” or safe to eat without any consequences.The risk associated with catnip exposure centers almost entirely on gastrointestinal problems. The digestive systems of our dogs are not designed to ingest large quantities of plant matter. If they eat too much of any herb or green, including catnip, it can irritate their digestive tract.The most common side effects of eating excessive amounts of plant matter are mild and short-lived, such as temporary vomiting, diarrhea, or general stomach discomfort. Generally, your dog will start to feel better as soon as the material passes. However, if your dog passes the plants and is still showing signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian, as there may be a bigger problem to address.The Hidden Hazard of the Toy ItselfNow that we’ve clarified that eating some catnip from chewing a cat toy isn’t going to cause any serious harm, there is a danger associated with this situation that I want to highlight. Chewing a non-edible item (like a cat toy) can lead to trouble!Catnip toys are designed to be light, fluffy, and enticing for cats. But they are not durable for a powerful canine jaw, especially if your pup is a power chewer like our two! If they ingest a chunk of stuffing, the fabric or plastic pieces, or even a whole catnip mouse (yes, it happens), it can create a serious choking hazard or, worse, a risk of life-threatening obstruction.Always supervise your dog around cat toys if they share their home with a feline sibling. Immediately take away the toys if you see your pup starting to chew on them.The Impact of Catnip on DogsWe’re all familiar with the hilarious, erratic behavior you might see from your cat after being exposed to catnip, but what about dogs? If your pup does manage to ingest a little catnip, you may be surprised. The key difference lies in the way dogs and cats process the active ingredient, nepetalactone.Unlike cats, dogs don’t get “high” on catnip. Cats possess specialized receptors, particularly in the roof of their mouth, that are sensitive to nepetalactone. This triggers a strong, euphoric response when the scent is inhaled, leading to the reaction we commonly associate with the herb.On the other hand (or paw), dogs lack these sensitive receptors. While they can smell the herb, their brains do not process the nepetalactone in a way that causes the typical stimulation. Instead, they respond when they ingest catnip (either the leaves or the dried herb). For our pups, this acts as a mild sedative or relaxant. It is the same effect that humans expect when they historically brewed catnip tea to calm their nerves or help them sleep.When consumed, catnip has a mild depressant effect on a dog’s central nervous system, helping to reduce general restlessness or anxiety. The response is often very subtle, so don’t expect your dog to suddenly collapse into a tranquil slumber. Instead, you can expect your pup to show a slight easing of tension or an increase in general calmness.While rare, it is worth noting that a very small percentage of dogs may experience the opposite, showing a mild stimulating effect. Always monitor your dog carefully during their first few exposures to see how their unique system processes the herb. If you notice increased agitation or hyperactivity, stop using it.However, for the vast majority of dogs, the primary effect is either a mild calming one or none at all.

Fall Activities for Dogs!

With cooler temperatures, this is the best time of year to take the pooch for a long walk, engage in outdoor activity, or simply snuggle in at home.

Cats and Bum Slapping. It's a Thing!

A surprising number of felines love the rough and tumble action of lower back scratching and swatting their behinds around.

3 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With just a few simple habits, you can protect their smile, prevent painful dental issues, and keep their breath a whole lot fresher. Here are three easy tips to help your pup maintain great dental health.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Is Your Cat Suddenly Biting?

Cats are known for their playful, sometimes quirky behavior, but when your normally gentle companion suddenly starts biting, it can be confusing and even concerning. Understanding why this shift happens is the first step toward addressing it. Let’s break it down.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Might Not Be Enjoying Their Walks

Walking your dog is often considered one of the simplest ways to keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved. Yet, despite your best intentions, some dogs don’t seem to enjoy their daily strolls. If your pup seems reluctant, distracted, or stressed on walks, there could be underlying reasons. Understanding these can help you make walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Determined Beagle Gets a Lift on Her Latest Hiking Adventure

Dogs love a good adventure. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the local park, or a rustic hike, our best friends are usually eager to explore by our side. But sometimes, even the best-prepared pup can find themselves in a tricky situation… This was the case for one determined beagle who, despite being fully geared up for a hike, needed a little extra support from her loving dad. The heartwarming and humorous moment was captured on video and shared by user @beagleskiko. The now-viral TikTok shows the determined beagle being gently lifted by her own as they navigate the steep and rocky section of the trail. Hilariously, even while being carried, her little legs continued to move in a running motion. It’s a sight that has led to the laughter and love of TikTok viewers worldwide.

Gassy Dogs Go Viral on Social Media... But No So Funny to Live With

(photo credit: kukurund / shutterstock.com)Okay, I agree those gassy dog videos on sites like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be pretty funny to watch. And clearly, the pet owner finds their dog’s flatulence to have a certain entertainment value, hence their determination to wait, watch, record and then post the big event. Viewers love it… so what’s the problem?While those noisy outbursts are to be expected from time to time with any pooch, it should be a bit more of a concern if your dog’s gassiness can empty a room on a regular basis. In fact, it might require you to consider changing up his lifestyle. While he will no longer be that frequent-tooting media sensation, he may be healthier and a heck of a lot more comfortable.Identify the Cause / Eliminate the GassinessNow, you may be surprised to learn that a dog will typically pass gas between 15 and 20 times a day. For the most part, it’s silent and odorless, with only the odd one actually making it to Insta-worthy status. But if you find his flatulence is chronic and more “pronounced,” it may be time to explore potential causes and solutions, particularly if this is a new behavior that’s taking place more frequently versus just once or twice every few days.Potential causes of heavy flatulence (meaning it’s frequent, audible and seriously smelly) can include any or all of the following:

Is a Pot-Bellied Pig in Your Future? Read On!

Do THIS to Keep your Outdoor Cat Safe

Letting your cat explore the outdoors is exciting for them, but sometimes stressful for you. However, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping your feline friend safe and healthy while they roam the outdoors.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Cat Loves to Knead Things

Cats have a lot of quirky habits, but few are as curious and as cute as kneading. That rhythmic motion of pressing their paws in and out on a blanket, pillow, or even your lap might make you wonder why they do it. While it looks a bit odd, kneading is actually a normal and meaningful behavior that tells you a lot about how your cat feels.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Degu

If you’ve ever wanted a pet that’s as curious as a squirrel but as social as a guinea pig, you might want to meet the degu. These small rodents from Chile aren’t as common as hamsters or rabbits, but for the right person they make engaging, lively companions. Before you dive in, though, there are a few important things to know.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why You Should Be Regularly Inspecting Your Dog's Coat

As a pet parent, you probably cuddle your dog daily, but how often do you take a close look at their coat? Regularly inspecting your dog’s fur isn’t just about keeping your porch soft and shiny, it’s a crucial part of maintaining their health. A simple hands-on check can help you spot issues early, ensuring your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and comfortable.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed

Cats often seem calm and independent, but they can experience stress just like we do. Recognizing the signs early can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Here are five common signs that your cat may be feeling stressed.

STARS Air Ambulance Welcomes Orion as Their New Therapy Dog

For those of us who share our lives with pets, we know that their very presence can change the energy of a room. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a stressful afternoon, our animals help to ground and calm us. Recently, STARS Air Ambulance, an organization known for high-stakes, life-saving missions, decided to bring that same benefit to its frontline crews by welcoming a very special new team member, Orion. Orion is a professionally trained therapy dog provided by the Pacific Assisted Dog Society (PADS). Since joining the team in February 2025, he has become a fixture at the Winnipeg base, though his calming influence and energy extend across the STARS network. His primary role with the team is to support the pilots, paramedics, and flight nurses who work daily in environments and situations that involve extreme stress and trauma.  “What our plan is, to evaluate the first two years with a therapy dog and decide from there to expand the program and whether that will include additional dogs in each province or each of our six bases,” explained Grant Therrien, providing director for Manitoba STARS operations, STARS flight paramedic, and Orion’s handler. While we often use the terms interchangeably, Orion’s role is distinctly different from that of a service dog. A service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks for a single individual with a disability, such as guiding someone with visual impairment or alerting a person to an impending seizure so that they can prepare themselves accordingly. These dogs have specific legal public access rights because they are considered essential medical equipment. In contrast, a therapy dog like Orion is trained to provide emotional and psychological comfort to many people. These dogs must have an exceptionally calm temperament and enjoy being handled by people, especially strangers. Their “job” is presence. By simply sitting with a flight crew after a difficult mission, Orion helps lower cortisol levels and heart rates, helping them back to a calmer state of mind. Orion’s work is not limited to the staff. He has also become a key resource for former patients and their families. When survivors return to the base to meet the crews who saved them, the emotions they experience can be overwhelming. Orion often stands with these families, offering a quiet, reassuring presence that makes a sensitive conversation and difficult memories a little easier to navigate. The addition of Orion to the STARS team is a clear reminder of what pet parents have always known: the bond between humans and animals is a powerful tool for healing. In the world of emergency medicine, where every second counts, Orion reminds the team to take a breath. He proves that sometimes the most effective way to care for those who save lives is provide them with a loyal friend who is always ready to listen. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Louis the Cat Will Inspire You to Explore with Your Furry Friend!

In a world where our cats often spend their lives within the confines of the four walls of our homes, a remarkable cat named Louis is showing adventurous cat parents that there is a different way. This adventurous Persian, with his owners Dan Taylor and Jess Peters, made headlines last year for his hiking achievements as the first cat to climb all 3 British peaks. Now, he’s back to inspire others again after completing a new hiking challenge across the Peak and Lake Districts. While not every cat may be a natural-born hiker, his owners’ advice is a great starting point for anyone considering adventuring with their best friend. “Not all cats are adventurous, but Louis is one of them,” cat dad Dan Taylor explained. “If anyone feels like they have an adventurous cat living with them, they can start them off with small adventures to build them up and see how they do. Some cats are interested in doing things like this.” There are several things to consider before hitting the trail. First, ensure your cat is comfortable with a harness and a leash. Start by letting them wear it for short periods inside the house. Next, gradually introduce them to the outdoors in a quiet, safe space like your backyard. Once they’re comfortable, you can move to short walks in a low-traffic area. Always remember to prioritize your cat’s safety and comfort. Look for signs of stress and never force them into a situation they’re not ready for. Common signs of stress in cats include: Changes in appetiteDigestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, frequent vomiting)Accidents outside the litter boxOvergrooming (may result in skin irritation or bald spots) Excessive vocalization Increased aggression or irritability (hissing, scratching, biting)TremblingWithdrawal or attempting to hide Louis’ adventures have earned him quite a dedicated following on his Instagram account, @lordlouis_persian. The couple has also used his platform for good, launching a fundraiser to support Cats Protection and a film project for Jess’s novel. The fundraiser highlights his efforts to explore the Catbells Ridge Walk and The Great Ridge Walk to raise attention and funds for the care and rehoming efforts of the organization, changing the lives of rescue cats in need. While 50% of funds raised will go to Cats Protection, Louis’s efforts are also going to help his cat mom, Jess Peters, achieve a dream of her own. The other 50% of the funds will help bring her fantasy novel, Alchemy Academy, to the big screen with StormLightUK. This brave kitty and his many adventures serve as a powerful testament to the bond between a pet and their person. They show us that with patience, preparation, and a little bravery, we can share incredible experiences with our best furry friends. It’s a great way to enrich their lives and our own in the process. Louis is not just a hiking cat; he’s an inspiration to use all to step outside, explore, and create unforgettable memories with the pets we love so much! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.